Wow, such a great video. Such an incredibly helpful tip too. Also, 2 things I haven't seen in a long time: tip-down pocket clips and phone book pages hahaha. Great content JD! Thanks!
I'm not one to pick hairs but a couple of major points need to be made. 1. Use the brass guides to save your fingers from slips. 2. Use the lid placed on the base half way along as a handle to protect your hands. Saying this. thank you for the vid.
I have this sharpener and cannot get an edge. I keep the angle consistent and have ZT, Spyderco, Emerson, Hoffner, and high quality German kitchen knives and cannot sharpen them anywhere near “sharp”… idkw, but am frustrated about it. You have done a great video and thank you. I’ll try your proprietary method.
Thanks for sharing your technique with the Sharpmaker. I'm getting reasonable results but seeing what you did gives me more motivation. My biggest (learner) problem is keeping the blade against the flat edges as I move it. Practice, I suppose
my grand dad ( pepa), who worked in the wood all his life , could hand sharpen anything to popping a hair in half by just touching the blade to a hair ,, still the best i ever saw ,, this brings back memories ,thanks for the video
I had been having difficulties with the sharpmaker but after this video I just sharpened a couple of knives to the point where they shave the hairs off my arm. Good advice on 1) keeping your wrist straight and 2) consistency is more important than correct angle.
sonambuloruivo im still having problems, had a delica 4 and it was pretty sharp from factory and i heard sharpening it on a sharpmaker will make it amazing, now it won't even slice through paper.
Gday JD, Well you got me again. I thought I had the Apex down and your tip on the collar has improved my EdgePro ability. Now I thought I didn't have anything to learn on the Old Sharpmaker and you've done it again. I am getting a much better edge on the UF stones. Keep the vids coming. Real no nonsense explanations, means that I will try your methods and while my blades are coming out about the same level as before I certainly get there a whole lot quicker. Thankyou.
Fantastic VIDEO my friend! Thank you for sharing your thoughts and knowledge with us! Here in late 2022 I purchased the sharpmaker for my knife collection. I am glad to see someone else doing the same thing that I was doing…. Just makes sense, and puts a great edge on.
Thank so much for making this video and other videos using the SharpMaker. Using your tips my chef's knife is now exceptionally sharp! You have excellent instructional skills such that even a novice to sharpening like myself can understand what you are doing. I am looking forward to seeing more of your tips and tricks with the SharpMaker and Stops.
I rolled the edge on the belly of my ZT 0350 and i was finally able to get a razor sharp edge back on my Sharpmaker by following your video for the most part. I also used some of X4CTO's tricks but it worked and now I'm happy. I think it's as sharp if not sharper than it was from the factory now. I still need to get the ultra fine rods and that fancy kniveplus strop you use to get the finishing mirror polished edge.
Got one for christmas and just got to use it for the first time, Used sandpaper to put a mirror finish on a knife with a recurve blade and The finish is perfect but I was sloppy and dulled the edge with the sandpaper, first time using the sharpmaker other than one test with a throwaway knife and In about 15 minutes it became sharper than the factory edge on almost any other knife I have, like it alot.
Well, I found this video pretty darn helpful. I'm new to the the sharpmaker, sharpening and knives. Was having trouble getting my S30V sharp using the method described by sharpmaker. I knew as soon as I saw your method it just made more sense. And keeping the tip ON the stones...brilliant. Thanks, I now have a razor sharp knife.
I tried that method and I have to say you have good control. I have rounded tips I guess need to keep practicing. The sharp maker does make it sharper for me then me with a regular stone. Shaves hair and cuts paper.
Great video! I have the very same knife too...along with several other Spyderco blades. I have the same Sharpmaker setup as well...it's an amazing system to keep knives razor sharp...fun to use, very intuitive and less harsh on the blades as well. CHEERS!!!
Great instructional vid my friend. I grew up trapping and skinning from a young age in eastern Canada and the early model of this sharpening system was a life saver. I couldn't have imagined skinning 7 beaver a night without it. You are right about just keeping it sharp before it gets too far. A couple strokes on the ceramics and I was back in business. Had to make it to school the next day. Of course I use a Lansky for the primary grind when ever necessary.
Thank you so much for showing this technique. I find it easier to do than the one shown in the instructional DVD. I had a few dull paring knives in the kitchen and this worked fast!
@1dducks It's easy to round your tip off using the corners, also using the corners puts a LOT of pressure on the edge since there is little surface area. That can cause problems with some steels. IE: chipping, rolling.
I almost gave up on Sharpmaker (Sharpkeeper). I broke it out to try to sharpen my Kershaw EDC knife. In less than 15 minutes I had it as sharp or sharper than I have ever gotten the edge of the blade. I do not have the extra fine shafts. I really don't need those. I got my knife very sharp with just the brown and white ones that came with the kit. I think I know why it did not work before. The company recommends alternating left and right sharpening surfaces. I think that going back and forth messes up the angle the blade is held. Doing each side independently, you develop muscle memory and hold the knife at a consistent angle. Thanks. You have made my Sharpmaker relevant again. (as for the brass rods, I clamp my Sharpmaker to my table top and keep my other hand away from the sharpener.)
You probably could not make it sharp because the initial angle was not close to 30 or 40, depending on which pair you used. Once you finally reprofiled the knife to 30 or 40, it started working.
It's designed to be turned 180 from where you have it. You hold the long side with the off hand. If you sharpen one side more than the other, you will move the edge off center of the blade. That's why the video recommends alternate strokes. I've been using "crock stick" sharpeners for 40 years. Love my sharpmaker, and with a variety of stones, I've never needed anything else.
While I love my Spyderco Sharpmaker, I have to agree that it is better as a “sharp-keeper” like he says in the video. It’s also perfect for preppers/campers/military who need a portable sharpening system that packs light and is easy to set up and use in the field. (I also have the diamond sharpening rods and the ultra-fine sharpening rods. I really feel that the diamond rods can cut down a LOT of time because the brown/grey medium stones that come with the set can be time-consuming on a particularly dull blade. But neither set of those is expensive and is definitely a worthwhile addition to the stones that come with the Spyderco Sharpmaker)
So I just got a sharpmaker and this method has helped tremendously, I could get a decent edge with Spydercos method on some knives but not on my S30V Kershaw Blur. This is much faster at removing metal so it works way better for S30V. Using very light strokes helps after you've worked up a bur to remove it, leaving an extremely sharp knife.
It took me a little while to get the "feel" of the Sharpmaker, but I have it down now. To get the correct angle, the blade will offer slightly more resistance. Also, dull parts of the blade will "skip" across the Sharpmaker until it hits the sharper part of the blade...Good vid!
if your blade dulled on just a few cardboard boxes than the blade was probably already losing its edge before you started. start from the beginning and work your way with to a sharper edge with a coarse stone 600 grit to medium 1000 grit to a fine 1500 grit
it's unfortunate that things turned out the way they did for this guy, I really thought he had potential (and he did) to become a good knife maker, the respect he had from many people in the knife community was lost quickly. his tests and video's are still valid and I wish he was still making them.
Edge Obsessed I completely agree. I started this channel to kind of pick up where he left off. He was extremely knowledgeable about this type of thing, and I learned a lot. I hope to continue the type and quality of content as I improve my skills.
I've been looking for a first time sharpener and saw this on Blade HQ and then YT'd it and your review came up. I also ordered a Tenacious so thx for the review and technique mine should be here by Friday!
I just picked up this sharpener. I like it so far. Every knife I have sharpened with it will shave hair, BUT my S30V blade. I have spent 3 times as long and
Sharpmaker works perfect for me. I don't let my knives ever get dull enough for it's limitations to matter. I'm going to try this, though I still can't get to that sharpness that you can.
As you sharpen the knife you will remove steel, effectively moving the edge further up the knife. The primary grind of the knife gets thicker as it moves toward the spine, so at some point in the future the blade will be too thick to use on either the 30 or 40 degree setting. At that time it will be necessary to this out the primary grind. :)
I thought the same thing. Wow, thats the awesome sv30 steel everyone says is so great and its dull as a butter knife in two seconds? Did I miss something?
Normally you wouldn't run the edge of your knife into a sharpening stone. It will wipe the edge easily. The stones are made to grind the steel. In everyday tasks of cutting things that are softer than the blade, it will last for a while, and with a little maintenance it will last indefinitely. One good thing about premium steel, is it's very difficult to wipe the edge so bad with "normal use", that simple honing and stropping won't fix it. Whereas steels like 8Cr13Mov or AUS6, it's very easy to kill the edge so bad, that it will need to be reprofiled. However I'm not saying they are bad steels, I like them, because they are easy to sharpen, and they will take a very sharp edge. Actually my Spyderco Tenacious and Persistence are two of the sharpest knives I own. I can get them a little sharper than a lot of my high end knives. I can also get a ridiculous edge on my knives that have AUS8, and Sandvik steels. I mean so sharp they will shave hair without touching the skin. like shaving, but with a small gap between the blade and skin, and it will cut the hairs in half.
I've had one of these for a bit (I have that exact same Spyderco Military in s30v as well) and this really helps on speed and consistency in sharpening - not really even sure why Spyderco doesn't show this method; I found their way not only time consuming but rather hit or miss; going one side to the other makes it harder to keep a 100% consistent stroke and angle - using the flat side and working up a burr and it takes half the time, and the knife is sharper as well. Still need more practice :)
Thank you sir! Okay first i'm gonna pick up the spyderco profile set and a strop, because i want to learn freehand. Then for Christmas gonna get the sharp maker, and the 306uf stone.
This technique is great. Gonna try it tomorrow. I HATE how the Sharpmaker rounds the tips using the corners if you pull off. This technique negates that completely. Thank you very much.
I like your method for using the SM. Makes perfect sense when you think about it. All the rods are are narrow stones turned at an angle. Why not sharpen your knife like you would on a flat stone. Great job on this vid.
Which came first, the sharp maker or the edge pro in the background? I'm getting so sick of fooling with my edge pro that I'm ready to give the sharp maker a shot.
I wish Spyderco would come out with a sharpener that had more angles. I don't think their 40º setting makes for quite the sharpness I was looking for. I also have a hard time keeping the entire blade against the flat end of the rod. I also would like a place for storing my X-tra Fine rods instead of hauling them around in those tubes. I've wondered if I can't just replace the Fine rods with them and be okay. Ceramic is usually hard enough to sharpen steel, but while my AUS8A blades sharpen to hairpopping edges, I have a tougher time getting my S3XV and CTS-XHP blades to that same degree. I'd almost rather have the rods be thick, round and shorter. What do you think?
Why 40 degrees on the military? I thought all spyderco's were sharpened to a 30 degree from t he factory? Also how much pressure are you putting when doing the single side? I still can't seem to get a nice edge on my paramilitary.
It doesn't affect the whole bezel, correct? Just a tiny section on the end of the blade. I suppose that depends on the angle of the original bezel. I still am having a hard time getting a sharp edge on a fillet knife. It worked pretty well on my leatherman wave blade.
Try using the sharpie method to see if u are in fact hitting the entire bevel if you are not then u need to change angles or reprofile your knife which is not that difficult to do with the sharpmaker diamond rods it took me around 10 mins to reprofile my zdp caly3 to a 30 degree inclsive from a 40 i hope this helps
My tenacious is still pretty sharp. I only want to touch it up with the sharpmaker and the ultra fine rods. Wich angle do i need to use still the 40 degree angle. the knive is never sharped before. Thanks i like your vids. Greetz from Holland
When I keep the blade straight as you do, the knife tip never touches the stones. I move the handle slightly to the opposite side of the stone while I slide down so that the tip also gets sharp.
A proprietary sharpmaker technique. Sweet. Looks like it works. That's funny you don't use the corners cuz that's all I like to use on the sharpmaker is the corners. And I don't like to run the tip off the stone.
What type of damage or daily use would constitue a send in to you to thin the edge? Also, probably self-explanatory, but what exactly is thinning the edge? As for the on-camera/off-camera hair whittling ability, try imagining the camera in its underwear.
I too watch these vid's of yours alot back then to keep my Spydie's and Vic Sak's sharp! I still like the 701MF set and heard that someday they will release "The Gauntlet".
I do use the edge when I’m doing quick touch ups with light pressure for sure. For this technique I use the flats because I am applying a bit more pressure. If you apply pressure AND use the corners you can end up putting a little too much force on the apex of the edge. It’s not common, but you can end up chipping the edge out that way. Using the flats helps spread out that force on the edge a bit. Hope this helps!
Inspirational! I have a "Mikov" UTAN knife, which I know is capable of taking a hair splitting edge. It would cut standard paper, but not the thin type you show in this demonstration. I therefore carefully followed what you did. After half an hour, I have succeeded in rendering so blunt that it will barely cut cardboard. Any suggestions?
What are your thoughts on the Lansky sharpening system? I have one that I'm getting started with. I can get my knives, seemingly, sharp. But very quickly they become dull again (like only after a few tomatoes or onions they loose that super sharp feeling). I'm sure it has something to do with my finishing technique.
Spyderco knives already come with about a 20 degree edge. But I have no idea what my other knives come with. If they are already sharp will the angle you used in this video work on them to produce these kinds if results?
I'll be receiving the sharpmaker for father's day. Would it be a good idea to do the secondary bevel at 30 degree then a micro-bevel at 40 degrees? I have a sloppy edge on my PM2 and have rounded the point.
Great vid - helped my get my Grip to tree-topping arm hairs. The factory grinds were pretty disappointing, and up until now I've struggled with getting a satisfactory edge on it.
Nice video and I think I have watched it a few times! I have a couple of new Spydercos and wondered if I should hit them with the fine and/or ultra fine to get them sharper than from the factory. What is your thoughts on this? which stones? Thx.
@silverfd You must be new to my channel. This isn't even close to being indicative of how sharp I can get my edges. Look back into some videos where I'm actually showing maximum sharpness. This was just a demo. ;)
what do you think produces better edges free hand sharpening or using a device like the wicked edge edge pro or sharpmaker? why do u not used Japanese waterstones? just curious.
It works! I just tried it and got a much sharper edge than using the angle step. JDavis would have done a lot better with a sharpening business than making knives imho.
It does! I was struggling with the Sharpmaker for a while. This method is so much faster. For the longest time I just couldn't get my Tenacious to slice through paper without ripping it. I even followed the instructions in the video but it was hit or miss. Apparently, I must have had a micro chip in the middle of my blade because that was where it was snagging the paper. This method completely ground it out in no time. I finished it off with the fine, ultra fine stones and stropped it on my leather belt and now it just glides through paper.
What sort of cutting do you do with a edge that sharp on a pocket knife? Cut meat? I thought if you shave down an edge that sharp, it bends/breaks off much easier. I cut heavy amounts of cardboard and plastic at work I imagine that is too sharp for me. You just convinced me to buy a strop though. Just purchased one.
Loved it, you really help a lot by showing your method whit the spidy sharpmaker, I was afraid to test diferent ways, not patient enough I guess. Thanks for posting!
Two questions, What do you mean by the edge being to thick after years of use with the pre-set angles on the sharpmaker? I have a 40 degree angle on my para 2, no 30 then 40 angle... Is it that the edge should be 30 degrees than a small portion should be 40, and when the 30 degree angle is no more, that's when the blade is to thick? And regarding the mirror polish of the edge, that not the whole bevel is hitting the stones? The whole bevel on my para 2 is hitting the stones...
Wow, such a great video. Such an incredibly helpful tip too. Also, 2 things I haven't seen in a long time: tip-down pocket clips and phone book pages hahaha. Great content JD! Thanks!
Still watching this video 9 years later, thanks for the content man.
Wow! Thanks for the support man. Hope some of my videos can help in some small way!
I’m here 11 years later and greatly appreciate it! 😂
I'm not one to pick hairs but a couple of major points need to be made.
1. Use the brass guides to save your fingers from slips.
2. Use the lid placed on the base half way along as a handle to protect your hands.
Saying this. thank you for the vid.
I have this sharpener and cannot get an edge. I keep the angle consistent and have ZT, Spyderco, Emerson, Hoffner, and high quality German kitchen knives and cannot sharpen them anywhere near “sharp”… idkw, but am frustrated about it. You have done a great video and thank you. I’ll try your proprietary method.
Ever get the hang of it?
Thanks for sharing your technique with the Sharpmaker. I'm getting reasonable results but seeing what you did gives me more motivation. My biggest (learner) problem is keeping the blade against the flat edges as I move it. Practice, I suppose
my grand dad ( pepa), who worked in the wood all his life , could hand sharpen anything to popping a hair in half by just touching the blade to a hair ,, still the best i ever saw ,, this brings back memories ,thanks for the video
I had been having difficulties with the sharpmaker but after this video I just sharpened a couple of knives to the point where they shave the hairs off my arm. Good advice on 1) keeping your wrist straight and 2) consistency is more important than correct angle.
sonambuloruivo im still having problems, had a delica 4 and it was pretty sharp from factory and i heard sharpening it on a sharpmaker will make it amazing, now it won't even slice through paper.
+Gamertag Woody Try sharpening using the 15 degree angle, because thats what spydercos are made with.
Gday JD, Well you got me again. I thought I had the Apex down and your tip on the collar has improved my EdgePro ability. Now I thought I didn't have anything to learn on the Old Sharpmaker and you've done it again. I am getting a much better edge on the UF stones. Keep the vids coming. Real no nonsense explanations, means that I will try your methods and while my blades are coming out about the same level as before I certainly get there a whole lot quicker. Thankyou.
Fantastic VIDEO my friend! Thank you for sharing your thoughts and knowledge with us! Here in late 2022 I purchased the sharpmaker for my knife collection. I am glad to see someone else doing the same thing that I was doing…. Just makes sense, and puts a great edge on.
It’s a great tool for sure!
@@jdavis882 btw, are you still using it?
9 years later this is still the best sharpmaker video out there. 👍 Well done. I'm done deliberating and gonna get me one of these.
Thank so much for making this video and other videos using the SharpMaker. Using your tips my chef's knife is now exceptionally sharp! You have excellent instructional skills such that even a novice to sharpening like myself can understand what you are doing. I am looking forward to seeing more of your tips and tricks with the SharpMaker and Stops.
I rolled the edge on the belly of my ZT 0350 and i was finally able to get a razor sharp edge back on my Sharpmaker by following your video for the most part. I also used some of X4CTO's tricks but it worked and now I'm happy. I think it's as sharp if not sharper than it was from the factory now. I still need to get the ultra fine rods and that fancy kniveplus strop you use to get the finishing mirror polished edge.
Got one for christmas and just got to use it for the first time, Used sandpaper to put a mirror finish on a knife with a recurve blade and The finish is perfect but I was sloppy and dulled the edge with the sandpaper, first time using the sharpmaker other than one test with a throwaway knife and In about 15 minutes it became sharper than the factory edge on almost any other knife I have, like it alot.
Thanks JDavis for sharing your method, will surely try tonight..
Well, I found this video pretty darn helpful. I'm new to the the sharpmaker, sharpening and knives. Was having trouble getting my S30V sharp using the method described by sharpmaker. I knew as soon as I saw your method it just made more sense. And keeping the tip ON the stones...brilliant. Thanks, I now have a razor sharp knife.
I really like your method! I am having big time success with this and the Edge Pro Apex with Shapton Glass stones.
I tried that method and I have to say you have good control. I have rounded tips I guess need to keep practicing. The sharp maker does make it sharper for me then me with a regular stone. Shaves hair and cuts paper.
Great video! I have the very same knife too...along with several other Spyderco blades. I have the same Sharpmaker setup as well...it's an amazing system to keep knives razor sharp...fun to use, very intuitive and less harsh on the blades as well. CHEERS!!!
Thank you for the tip of the ultra fine stones! :) got them today, they really did bring the sharpmaker to another level!
Yeah they do! A big step up in refinement from the regular fine stones. Glad they’re working for you.
this is an interesting technique, i'll check it out. thanks!
Great instructional vid my friend. I grew up trapping and skinning from a young age in eastern Canada and the early model of this sharpening system was a life saver. I couldn't have imagined skinning 7 beaver a night without it. You are right about just keeping it sharp before it gets too far. A couple strokes on the ceramics and I was back in business. Had to make it to school the next day. Of course I use a Lansky for the primary grind when ever necessary.
Thank you so much for showing this technique. I find it easier to do than the one shown in the instructional DVD. I had a few dull paring knives in the kitchen and this worked fast!
@1dducks It's easy to round your tip off using the corners, also using the corners puts a LOT of pressure on the edge since there is little surface area. That can cause problems with some steels. IE: chipping, rolling.
I almost gave up on Sharpmaker (Sharpkeeper). I broke it out to try to sharpen my Kershaw EDC knife. In less than 15 minutes I had it as sharp or sharper than I have ever gotten the edge of the blade. I do not have the extra fine shafts. I really don't need those. I got my knife very sharp with just the brown and white ones that came with the kit. I think I know why it did not work before. The company recommends alternating left and right sharpening surfaces. I think that going back and forth messes up the angle the blade is held. Doing each side independently, you develop muscle memory and hold the knife at a consistent angle. Thanks. You have made my Sharpmaker relevant again. (as for the brass rods, I clamp my Sharpmaker to my table top and keep my other hand away from the sharpener.)
You probably could not make it sharp because the initial angle was not close to 30 or 40, depending on which pair you used. Once you finally reprofiled the knife to 30 or 40, it started working.
It's designed to be turned 180 from where you have it. You hold the long side with the off hand. If you sharpen one side more than the other, you will move the edge off center of the blade. That's why the video recommends alternate strokes. I've been using "crock stick" sharpeners for 40 years. Love my sharpmaker, and with a variety of stones, I've never needed anything else.
@MrICSK Because there aren't many knives with a
Best demo for this sharpmaker so far
Finally found someone who seems to be the sharpening expert I've been looking for. First video with you that I'm watching. SUBBED!
i wanna fall asleep to your soothing knife sharpening video. that is a compliment btw
While I love my Spyderco Sharpmaker, I have to agree that it is better as a “sharp-keeper” like he says in the video. It’s also perfect for preppers/campers/military who need a portable sharpening system that packs light and is easy to set up and use in the field. (I also have the diamond sharpening rods and the ultra-fine sharpening rods. I really feel that the diamond rods can cut down a LOT of time because the brown/grey medium stones that come with the set can be time-consuming on a particularly dull blade. But neither set of those is expensive and is definitely a worthwhile addition to the stones that come with the Spyderco Sharpmaker)
Great vid! I have the same salt and pepper grinders
So I just got a sharpmaker and this method has helped tremendously, I could get a decent edge with Spydercos method on some knives but not on my S30V Kershaw Blur. This is much faster at removing metal so it works way better for S30V. Using very light strokes helps after you've worked up a bur to remove it, leaving an extremely sharp knife.
Glad to hear it man! The sharpmaker is an amazing tool.
It took me a little while to get the "feel" of the Sharpmaker, but I have it down now. To get the correct angle, the blade will offer slightly more resistance. Also, dull parts of the blade will "skip" across the Sharpmaker until it hits the sharper part of the blade...Good vid!
Yeah that's a good set up. I still use my sharpmaker pretty often.
..i just got this..it's cool..i got an s30v blade hair popping sharp within minutes..now this would be great for beginners..i love it!..good video!
jdavis882 Just want to say thank you for this vid. I was horrible at sharpening on it, till I saw this vid. Your technique is the best. Thanks
This is an excellent sharpening vid in general besides a great Sharpmaker demo. Thanks!
if your blade dulled on just a few cardboard boxes than the blade was probably already losing its edge before you started. start from the beginning and work your way with to a sharper edge with a coarse stone 600 grit to medium 1000 grit to a fine 1500 grit
Very very nice video, thank you! I will be buying the sharpmaker.
it's unfortunate that things turned out the way they did for this guy, I really thought he had potential (and he did) to become a good knife maker, the respect he had from many people in the knife community was lost quickly. his tests and video's are still valid and I wish he was still making them.
Edge Obsessed I completely agree. I started this channel to kind of pick up where he left off. He was extremely knowledgeable about this type of thing, and I learned a lot. I hope to continue the type and quality of content as I improve my skills.
What happened?
+Edge Obsessed
Yea this dude is just a straight up douche, somebody outta kick his ass
Adam Jackson you could try I guess. Wouldn’t work out well for you.
+ jdavis882 Oh please, the cringe. I'm feeling bad for you man.
I've been looking for a first time sharpener and saw this on Blade HQ and then YT'd it and your review came up. I also ordered a Tenacious so thx for the review and technique mine should be here by Friday!
I just picked up this sharpener. I like it so far. Every knife I have sharpened with it will shave hair, BUT my S30V blade. I have spent 3 times as long and
Sharpmaker works perfect for me. I don't let my knives ever get dull enough for it's limitations to matter. I'm going to try this, though I still can't get to that sharpness that you can.
this method sharpened up much better than the standard spyderco way. finally able to bring back the shaving sharp factory edge. thanks
As you sharpen the knife you will remove steel, effectively moving the edge further up the knife. The primary grind of the knife gets thicker as it moves toward the spine, so at some point in the future the blade will be too thick to use on either the 30 or 40 degree setting. At that time it will be necessary to this out the primary grind. :)
Definitely going to try this technique. I like the SM but this looks way faster. Thanks.
I now use this technique, works awesome! I do use the corners of the Brown rods if the knife is very dull to begin with. Cheers
The Spyderco Sharpmaker and a couple of leather strops is the only sharpening equipment that I have and it works well for me.
This is why I love the the edge pro, it delivers a edge so quickly, and it's not hard sharpening harder steels
Bought mine at a gun show in 1986. I have used it hundreds of times. I met Jimmy lile at the same show.
what are your thoughts on using the diamond rods that you can buy to get a blade reprofiled?
"Dull the edge a little bit" three stokes and it can't cut paper anymore...wow, i never knew knives were THAT easy to mess up.
I thought the same thing. Wow, thats the awesome sv30 steel everyone says is so great and its dull as a butter knife in two seconds? Did I miss something?
Normally you wouldn't run the edge of your knife into a sharpening stone. It will wipe the edge easily. The stones are made to grind the steel. In everyday tasks of cutting things that are softer than the blade, it will last for a while, and with a little maintenance it will last indefinitely. One good thing about premium steel, is it's very difficult to wipe the edge so bad with "normal use", that simple honing and stropping won't fix it. Whereas steels like 8Cr13Mov or AUS6, it's very easy to kill the edge so bad, that it will need to be reprofiled. However I'm not saying they are bad steels, I like them, because they are easy to sharpen, and they will take a very sharp edge. Actually my Spyderco Tenacious and Persistence are two of the sharpest knives I own. I can get them a little sharper than a lot of my high end knives. I can also get a ridiculous edge on my knives that have AUS8, and Sandvik steels. I mean so sharp they will shave hair without touching the skin. like shaving, but with a small gap between the blade and skin, and it will cut the hairs in half.
INFIDEL TO ISLAM
When you dull it with the same material you used to sharpen it yes it is easy.
osias band
I've had one of these for a bit (I have that exact same Spyderco Military in s30v as well) and this really helps on speed and consistency in sharpening - not really even sure why Spyderco doesn't show this method; I found their way not only time consuming but rather hit or miss; going one side to the other makes it harder to keep a 100% consistent stroke and angle - using the flat side and working up a burr and it takes half the time, and the knife is sharper as well. Still need more practice :)
Thank you sir! Okay first i'm gonna pick up the spyderco profile set and a strop, because i want to learn freehand. Then for Christmas gonna get the sharp maker, and the 306uf stone.
@andris4 It depends on the knife really. Some of the sharpest edges I have ever gotten have been free hand though. :)
This technique is great. Gonna try it tomorrow. I HATE how the Sharpmaker rounds the tips using the corners if you pull off. This technique negates that completely. Thank you very much.
I like your method for using the SM. Makes perfect sense when you think about it. All the rods are are narrow stones turned at an angle. Why not sharpen your knife like you would on a flat stone. Great job on this vid.
Which came first, the sharp maker or the edge pro in the background? I'm getting so sick of fooling with my edge pro that I'm ready to give the sharp maker a shot.
Very interesting technique. I'll be sure to try it next time I need to sharpen my knives.
Or they just like the look. But go ahead, im impressed by how cool you are and how much you know about other people!
it's encouraging to watch you use the sharpmaker - i am going to try to get good with it. thanks for the tips and techniques.
I wish Spyderco would come out with a sharpener that had more angles. I don't think their 40º setting makes for quite the sharpness I was looking for. I also have a hard time keeping the entire blade against the flat end of the rod. I also would like a place for storing my X-tra Fine rods instead of hauling them around in those tubes. I've wondered if I can't just replace the Fine rods with them and be okay. Ceramic is usually hard enough to sharpen steel, but while my AUS8A blades sharpen to hairpopping edges, I have a tougher time getting my S3XV and CTS-XHP blades to that same degree. I'd almost rather have the rods be thick, round and shorter. What do you think?
so can this sharpener be used on knives with bellies
Why 40 degrees on the military? I thought all spyderco's were sharpened to a 30 degree from t he factory? Also how much pressure are you putting when doing the single side? I still can't seem to get a nice edge on my paramilitary.
It doesn't affect the whole bezel, correct? Just a tiny section on the end of the blade. I suppose that depends on the angle of the original bezel.
I still am having a hard time getting a sharp edge on a fillet knife. It worked pretty well on my leatherman wave blade.
Try using the sharpie method to see if u are in fact hitting the entire bevel if you are not then u need to change angles or reprofile your knife which is not that difficult to do with the sharpmaker diamond rods it took me around 10 mins to reprofile my zdp caly3 to a 30 degree inclsive from a 40 i hope this helps
My tenacious is still pretty sharp.
I only want to touch it up with the sharpmaker and the ultra fine rods.
Wich angle do i need to use still the 40 degree angle.
the knive is never sharped before.
Thanks i like your vids.
Greetz from Holland
When I keep the blade straight as you do, the knife tip never touches the stones. I move the handle slightly to the opposite side of the stone while I slide down so that the tip also gets sharp.
Hi All, is the 3rd stone set, the ultra fine stone, the ones form Spyderco?
A proprietary sharpmaker technique. Sweet. Looks like it works. That's funny you don't use the corners cuz that's all I like to use on the sharpmaker is the corners. And I don't like to run the tip off the stone.
What type of damage or daily use would constitue a send in to you to thin the edge? Also, probably self-explanatory, but what exactly is thinning the edge?
As for the on-camera/off-camera hair whittling ability, try imagining the camera in its underwear.
I too watch these vid's of yours alot back then to keep my Spydie's and Vic Sak's sharp! I still like the 701MF set and heard that someday they will release "The Gauntlet".
to get that mirror polish will you just have to spend more time on the ultra fine rods? or what
This video was amazingly helpful thank you for this. Why don't you use the edge of the sharpmaker?
I do use the edge when I’m doing quick touch ups with light pressure for sure. For this technique I use the flats because I am applying a bit more pressure. If you apply pressure AND use the corners you can end up putting a little too much force on the apex of the edge. It’s not common, but you can end up chipping the edge out that way. Using the flats helps spread out that force on the edge a bit. Hope this helps!
I see your strop in the picture. What is your perferred method to getting a nice even coat of compound on your strop?
It is sharp but not to my wants. Will the ultra fine stones help me with this steel?
Inspirational! I have a "Mikov" UTAN knife, which I know is capable of taking a hair splitting edge. It would cut standard paper, but not the thin type you show in this demonstration. I therefore carefully followed what you did. After half an hour, I have succeeded in rendering so blunt that it will barely cut cardboard. Any suggestions?
Keep it up.probably half way between old angle and new. Once the new angle takes on the length of the edge itll start getting sharper
Can you put a link for the aftermarket stones in the description, please?
What are your thoughts on the Lansky sharpening system? I have one that I'm getting started with. I can get my knives, seemingly, sharp. But very quickly they become dull again (like only after a few tomatoes or onions they loose that super sharp feeling). I'm sure it has something to do with my finishing technique.
Spyderco knives already come with about a 20 degree edge. But I have no idea what my other knives come with. If they are already sharp will the angle you used in this video work on them to produce these kinds if results?
I'll be receiving the sharpmaker for father's day. Would it be a good idea to do the secondary bevel at 30 degree then a micro-bevel at 40 degrees? I have a sloppy edge on my PM2 and have rounded the point.
Excellent presentaion,i have the sm but i think i will invest in some stones what grit sizes would you recomend as a starter kit.
Great vid - helped my get my Grip to tree-topping arm hairs. The factory grinds were pretty disappointing, and up until now I've struggled with getting a satisfactory edge on it.
Great job. The Sharpmaker instructions leave a lot to be desired. Your way - going until you raise a burr - is the right way.
Just wanted to say thanks for your videos. Very informative and well explained. That's pretty much the same method I use on the sharpmaker, btw.
Nice video and I think I have watched it a few times!
I have a couple of new Spydercos and wondered if I should hit them with the fine and/or ultra fine to get them sharper than from the factory.
What is your thoughts on this? which stones?
Thx.
Is it best to just take a beater to use as training knife until you build your confidence and skill up?
@silverfd You must be new to my channel. This isn't even close to being indicative of how sharp I can get my edges. Look back into some videos where I'm actually showing maximum sharpness. This was just a demo. ;)
what do you think produces better edges free hand sharpening or using a device like the wicked edge edge pro or sharpmaker? why do u not used Japanese waterstones? just curious.
If you were going for a mirror polish on that blade would you just spend more time on the ultra fine stones?
It works! I just tried it and got a much sharper edge than using the angle step. JDavis would have done a lot better with a sharpening business than making knives imho.
It does! I was struggling with the Sharpmaker for a while. This method is so much faster. For the longest time I just couldn't get my Tenacious to slice through paper without ripping it. I even followed the instructions in the video but it was hit or miss. Apparently, I must have had a micro chip in the middle of my blade because that was where it was snagging the paper. This method completely ground it out in no time. I finished it off with the fine, ultra fine stones and stropped it on my leather belt and now it just glides through paper.
What sort of cutting do you do with a edge that sharp on a pocket knife? Cut meat? I thought if you shave down an edge that sharp, it bends/breaks off much easier. I cut heavy amounts of cardboard and plastic at work I imagine that is too sharp for me. You just convinced me to buy a strop though. Just purchased one.
For some reason I cannot ger my Spyderco to sharpen good with this tool... what am I doing wrong ?
do you think a good set up to own would be a wicked edge and also a sharpmaker with a good strop as well
Loved it, you really help a lot by showing your method whit the spidy sharpmaker, I was afraid to test diferent ways, not patient enough I guess. Thanks for posting!
Great advice as always! This worked better for me too. Thank you.
Awesome, so glad to hear it!
Diamond tubes for this sharpening system is capable to rebeveling edge? How do you think?
Two questions,
What do you mean by the edge being to thick after years of use with the pre-set angles on the sharpmaker? I have a 40 degree angle on my para 2, no 30 then 40 angle...
Is it that the edge should be 30 degrees than a small portion should be 40, and when the 30 degree angle is no more, that's when the blade is to thick?
And regarding the mirror polish of the edge, that not the whole bevel is hitting the stones? The whole bevel on my para 2 is hitting the stones...
@PavlovSandor Yeah doing it this way almost completely negates the risk of rounding the tip.
where did you buy the strop it sounded like a great deal and i realy need a strop thanks in advance